Laurie Smith

Laurie Smith is a distinguished academic in the field of plant biology, specifically focusing on cell and developmental biology. She is an Emeritus Professor at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), where she has had a long and impactful career.123

Academic Background and Career

Professor Smith received her Ph.D. from University College, London, and conducted postdoctoral studies at Stanford University and the UC Berkeley/USDA Plant Gene Expression Center.2 She then joined the faculty at UCSD, where she has made significant contributions to the field of plant biology.

Research Focus

Laurie Smith's research primarily centers on:

1. Cell Division in Plants: She studies the mechanisms responsible for orienting division planes in plant cells, which is crucial for plant development.2

2. Asymmetric Cell Division: Her work focuses on understanding how asymmetric divisions are oriented during plant development, particularly in the formation of subsidiary cells in maize stomata.2

3. Molecular Mechanisms: Smith investigates the role of specific proteins and molecular pathways in cell division and polarization, such as the SCAR/WAVE complex and ROP GTPases.2

Academic Impact

Professor Smith's research has been widely recognized and cited in the scientific community. Her work has been published in prestigious journals such as Science, Nature Plants, and The Plant Cell.12 According to Google Scholar, her publications have been cited over 5,000 times, indicating the significant impact of her research in the field.14

Additional Interests

Interestingly, Laurie Smith is also noted as a violist in Seattle, showcasing her diverse talents beyond her academic pursuits.3

In summary, Laurie Smith is a highly respected plant biologist whose work has significantly advanced our understanding of plant cell division and development, particularly in the areas of asymmetric cell division and cellular polarization in plants.